Goin' Down Geneva
Van Morrison · Other Songs - Van Morrison
I'm goin' down Geneva, give me a helping hand
It's not easy baby, living on the exile plan
Down on the bottom, down to my new pair of shoes
Down on the bottom, down to my new pair of shoes
I'm down by the lakeside, thinking 'bout my baby blue
Last night I played a gig in Salzburg, outside in the pouring rain
Last night I played a gig in Salzburg, outside in the pouring rain
Flew from there to Montreux and my heart was filled with pain
Look out my window, back at the way things are
Look out my window pane, back at the way things are
Just wonder how, how did things ever get this far
Vince Taylor used to live here, nobody's ever heard of him
Vince Taylor used to live here, but nobody's heard of him, ain't that a shame
Just who he was, just where he fits in
He was goin' down Geneva. give him helping hand
He was goin' down Geneva, give him helping hand
It wasn't easy living on the exile plan
Vince Taylor used to live here, nobody's even heard of him
Vince, Vince Taylor lives here, nobody's even heard of him
Just who he was, just where he fits in
J
ust who he was, just where he fits in
Goin' Down Geneva
Van Morrison's 'Goin' Down Geneva' stands as a quintessential example of his mid-career soul and R&B prowess, characterized by lush harmonies and a driving, rhythmic groove. Released during a period where Morrison was deeply engaged with American soul traditions, the track showcases his ability to blend jazz-inflected instrumentation with infectious danceable beats. The song reflects the era's emphasis on vocal improvisation and emotional depth, typical of Morrison's work from the 1970s through the 1980s. It captures the essence of his transition into a more mature, groove-oriented sound that would define his later catalog, featuring complex chord progressions and a seamless fusion of gospel and funk elements. This recording remains a testament to his mastery of rhythm and his capacity to craft timeless, danceable tracks that resonate across generations of soul music fans.